Questions about J Frames

[Homechicken]

Hey guys/gals, I'm new here and have some questions. I belong to a few other gun forums but thought my questions might be best answered here. I'm kind of the go to guy in our family when it comes to guns, so a relative asked me if I could find him a good deal on a used J frame .38, preferably a Model 36. I haven't done much research on S&W revolvers in a while as even though I own a couple, I'm more of semi-auto guy, but do know I don't want a newer model with the lock, so I'd not try to find one for someone else either. Anyway, I assume the dash models are somewhat of a refinement on the previous designation, ie: 36-4 is the 4th upgrade of a 36 no dash, and that the dash numbers are consecutive as in there was a -1,2,3 before a -4. Is this correct and can someone tell me when model 36s became rated for +P ammo? I assume the +P rating had its own dash number also. If you're so inclined, I'd like to know what upgrades the dash numbers refer to as well.

 

[bamabiker]

Welcome to the forum.
You are pretty much correct about the dash numbers. Each one notes a change of some kind from the previous. I don't have my SCSW with me to look at all the M36 changes. As for as +Ps go, most people consider any model marked S&W OK for +Ps. You might want to carry them in the gun more than shooting them all the time. That seems to be the norm for a lot of people. Hope this helps.

 

[deercop]

36-9 indicates the switch to the "magnum" size frame, which corresponds with factory approval of +P loads.

 

[Casehardn]

Not just for the 36, but for all S&W "model" numbered revolvers it should be safe to fire +P ammo. But usually, the smaller the frame the faster the wear and usually the more felt recoil (not that you're going to easily wear out a Smith).
If you plan on shooting +P... practice with it, so you know how your follow up shots will fare if you need to use the gun in a defense situation.
I don't believe in just practicing with one type of ammo and then carrying another. You will feel a difference and especially in the J frame models.

 

[linde]

The dash numbers for the model 36 are a little different that most models. The model 36-1 with a 3" heavy barrel was introduced in 1965 yet the model 36 (no dash) with 2" and 3" regular barrels continued to be produced for many years concurrently with the 36-1.

 

[palmetto99]

Agree with the "if it's a smith with a model no. it's good with +P". I carry +P in my model 60's (and snub 66 too), but think the short tube velocity loss negates the +p rating (throw eggs now). The +p rounds I carry are 158 grn. SWC. I want the heavy slug more that the velocity. Anyway, my .02. BTW, I've got a big soft spot for S&W J frames.

 

[jpwhel]

Welcome to the forum. There are a lot people on the forum that are very fond of the J frame. The Mod 36 is a great little revolver. Your decision will be whether to get the 2" or 3" barell and whether to get the blued or nickel version. As mentioned any S&W with a Mod number should be Ok for +P. I have a 2" nickel version of a 36 no dash that is easy to conceal carry, either IWB or pocket holster.

 

[Homechicken]

Thanks for the info guys. I love the little 36, a great little revolver. I inherited one from my dad several years ago, but sold it because I just didn't have a use for it. I already had several revolvers and autos for carry and just didn't need it. I wish now that I'd kept it. I've sold or traded a few guns and that's the only one I regret getting rid of. I may be on the hunt for two, one for my relative and one for myself as well.

 

[Homechicken]

Agree with the "if it's a smith with a model no. it's good with +P". I carry +P in my model 60's (and snub 66 too), but think the short tube velocity loss negates the +p rating (throw eggs now). The +p rounds I carry are 158 grn. SWC. I want the heavy slug more that the velocity. Anyway, my .02. BTW, I've got a big soft spot for S&W J frames.

I look at like this: In a short barrel, +P pushes the bullet up toward what standard pressure ammo velocities are in a 4 or 6inch barrel, so that you can get standard pressure performance out of a snubby.

 

[hittman77]

A good investment for you would be the Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson. Check your local book stores.

 

[Homechicken]

A good investment for you would be the Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson. Check your local book stores.

Thanks Hittman, I'll check into it. I just got an Amazon gift card for my B-day. I may use it for that.

 

[murphydog]

Here is the link:

Amazon.com: Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson (Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson) (9780896892934): Jim Supica, Richard Nahas: Books

Prepare yourself for nights studying the serial number tables, and a lighter bank account .

 

[AKsRule]

so a relative asked me if I could find him a good deal on a used J frame .38, preferably a Model 36. I haven't done much research on S&W revolvers in a while as even though I own a couple, I'm more of semi-auto guy, but do know I don't want a newer model with the lock, .

I currently own 10 prelock S&Ws so my opinion may be worth something.

I would not hesitate to fire +P through any steel frame Smith.

My favorite older J frame is a model 49 (shrouded hammer )

Used J frames in very good condition seem to be running from
$375 to $ 500 depending on how pretty they look.

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